MODULE SPECIFICATION
Code: USSJNW-20-2 Title: Research Skills Version: 1
Level: 2 UWE credit rating: 20 ECTS credit rating: 10
Module type: Standard
Owning Faculty: Health & Life Sciences Field: Applied Sciences
Faculty Committee approval: Applied Sciences Field Planning Date: 2nd March 2009
Approved for Delivery by: Filton College
Valid from: September 2009 Discontinued from:
Contributes towards: FdSc Integrated Wildlife Conservation
Pre-requisites: USSJPN-20-1 Field Skills, or equivalent
Co-requisites: None
Entry requirements: N/A
Excluded combinations: None
Learning outcomes:
Students will be able to:
• use information technology to search for information in both peer-reviewed and un-reviewed sources such as the internet, electronic and paper journals;
• identify the essential steps in a valid scientific investigation, and plan experimental procedures and interpretation accordingly;
• design and carry out detailed research investigations that apply a range of ecological survey and environmental monitoring techniques;
• undertake statistical analysis of research data and be able to critically interpret and present these data in a variety of formats;
• demonstrate a range of key graduate skills in addition to subject based proficiency.
Syllabus outline:
Developing graduate skills
Transition to level 2, expectations, requirements and support. Further development of study skills such as: literature and information searching, scientific writing, referencing, presentation skills, use of word processing packages, using feedback. Self evaluation of skills and planning personal development. Careers and current developments in the conservation sector.
Research principles and experimental design
Principles of scientific methodology. Hypothesis generation and testing. Principles of experimental design. Critical assessment of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies. Design and analysis of questionnaires and case studies.
Ecological surveying and Environmental monitoring
Principles and experience of ecological surveying techniques. Identification skills. Techniques in surveying terrestrial and aquatic fauna and flora. Methods for assessing and monitoring populations. Habitat and conservation management assessment techniques, habitat suitability and evaluation procedures. Techniques in monitoring of biotic and abiotic factors. Sampling of soils, sediments, atmosphere, hydrosphere. Use of organisms to monitor the environment. The relationships between biotic and abiotic factors.
Field based research
Experience of ecological surveying and environmental monitoring techniques in the field. Understanding the limitations and experimental constraints of working in the field. Working safely, responsibly and effectively in the field. Data organisation and field report writing.
Statistical analysis and data interpretation
Presentation of scientific data. Use of Excel, Minitab and SPSS. Analysis of environmental data from first principles. Data transformations, descriptive stats, data error bars, t-tests, chi-square, ANOVA, ANCOVA, multiple regression, ordination and classification techniques.
Teaching and learning methods:
This is a module about developing skills and so a variety of teaching and learning approaches will be employed. The module will be delivered using a mixture of whole group and small tutorial group sessions. Students will be allocated to a Study Skills Tutor group where a member of staff will facilitate personal, group and peer assisted learning of key skills. This will encompass the university wide Graduate Development Programme. The module will include field work where the emphasis will be placed on understanding the theory behind fieldwork and developing practical hands-on skills in field techniques. Team-working skills will be promoted through groupwork. Expert opinion will be accessed via site visits (e.g. to industrial sites, information resources). Support material such as DVDs, relevant texts, internet and electronic resources, will be available for use both in formal and informal sessions.
Students will develop IT and data analysis skills through computer-based workshops. Student learning will be supported through the University's E-Learning Environment, Blackboard.
Reading Strategy
All students will be encouraged to make full use of the print and electronic resources available to them through membership of the University. These include a range of electronic journals and a wide variety of resources available through web sites and information gateways. The University Library’s web pages provide access to subject relevant resources and services, and to the library catalogue. Many resources can be accessed remotely. Students will be presented with opportunities within the curriculum to develop their information retrieval and evaluation skills in order to identify such resources effectively.
This guidance will be available either in the module handbook, via the module information on Blackboard or through any other vehicle deemed appropriate by the module/programme leaders
Indicative Reading List:
Cottrell, S. (2003) Skills for success, Palgrave Macmillan, Basingstoke.
Cottrell, S. (2003) The Study Skills Handbook, Palgrave Macmillan, Basingstoke.
Dytham, C. (2002). Choosing and Using Statistics, Blackwell, Oxford.
Goudie, A. (2006) Human Impact on the Natural Environment, Blackwell, Oxford.
Henderson, P.A. (2003). Practical Methods in Ecology, Blackwell, Oxford.
Holmes, D. (2006) Research Methods for the Biosciences, Oxford University Press, Oxford
Jones, A. (2000) Practical Skills in Environmental Science. Prentice Hall.
Southward, T.R.E. (1996) Ecological Methods. Chapman & Hall, London.
Spellerberg, I. (1994) Evaluation and Assessment for Conservation. Chapman & Hall, London.
Sutherland, W.J. (1998) Ecological Census Techniques. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.
Kent, M. & Coker, P. (1992) Vegetation description and analysis. Belhaven Press, London.
Assessment
Weighting between components A and B (standard modules only) A: 50% B: 50%
ATTEMPT 1
First Assessment Opportunity
Component A
Element weighting
EX2 Examination (2 hours) 1
Component B
Element weighting
WR1 Written Report 1
PR1 Poster presentation 1
Second Assessment Opportunity (further attendance at taught classes is not required)
Component A
Element weighting
EX2 Examination (2 hours) 1
Component B
Element weighting
WR1 Written Report 1
PR1 Poster Presentation 1
SECOND (OR SUBSEQUENT) ATTEMPT: Attendance at taught classes is required.
Specification confirmed by …………………………………………………Date ……………………………
(Associate Dean/Programme Director)